Kerala Chalachitra Academy yet to get new chairman, film festival preparations delayed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy remains inactive even as preparations for the state's major film festivals should have already begun. More than two months after the new government assumed office, the academy is yet to get a new chairman or governing body. The previous office-bearers had resigned earlier, and according to sources, the delay is due to multiple recommendations for the key posts.

The 18th International Documentary & Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) is scheduled to be held from September 25 to 30, while preparations should also begin for the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), scheduled from December 11 to 18. The process of selecting films for the festival is yet to begin.

The academy has received 1,741 entries for the documentary and short film festival. A jury has to be appointed to shortlist the films for screening.

Although the 2024 Kerala Television Awards have been announced, the awards have not yet been presented. Entries for the 2025 Television Awards have also been received, but neither a jury has been constituted nor have the winners been selected. Similarly, entries for the 2025 Kerala State Film Awards have been submitted, but the jury is yet to be appointed. The academy is currently functioning under an acting secretary.

Twelve names shortlisted for chairman's post

According to sources, a shortlist of 12 candidates has been prepared for the post of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman. The list reportedly includes both Congress leaders and individuals not formally associated with the party.

There are differing views within the Congress leadership. One group favours appointing a prominent filmmaker as chairman, while another believes the post should go to someone who has remained close to the Congress over the past decade.

Filmmakers Sathyan Anthikad, Blessy, Deepu Karunakaran and Joshy Mathew are among those being considered for the post.

For the post of chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), the names of producers M. Ranjith and Sabu Cherian, along with former chairman K. Madhu, have also emerged. Joshy Mathew's name is reportedly under consideration for this position as well.